Agritech challenge pushes agricultural transformation in Mekong Delta

The Mekong Agriculture Technology Challenge (MATch) was introduced in HCM City on November 16. (Photo: Future Food Asia)

HCM City (VNA) – The Mekong Agriculture
Technology Challenge (MATch) was introduced in HCM City on November 16, aiming
to support agricultural startups for the Mekong region’s agriculture to be turned
into a more competitive and sustainable industry.

MATch is the latest in a series of innovation
accelerators by the Mekong Business Initiative (MBI) with funding and support
from the Australian Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It looks
for innovative agribusiness startups and technological solution providers from
across the globe to help transform the Mekong region’s agriculture industry
into a leading global supplier of “safe and nutritious food for all”.

It includes two challenges – the MATch Startup
Accelerator and the MATch Market Access Accelerator. The first is aimed at
innovative early stage agritech startups and traditional agriculture businesses
with new, scalable business models in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. The
second will help mature international agritech companies expand into
the Mekong region. Participants will receive mentorship and assistance with
their expansion plans including product adaptation, and forge relationships with
potential partners and investors in the region.

The
competition provides awards and prizes worth 200,000 USD in total, given via
technical support and service provision. Award winners will also be introduced
to and receive finance from strategic investors.

It
is accepting online applications at www.match.mekongbiz.org until the end of December, 2017.-VNA